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Posted by Eric Peterson

On January 23rd, RCFC will hear from Kaycee Headrick, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Larimer County (BGCLC). Following Kaycee’s introduction by Sue Wagner, she will give an overview of the organization, consisting of the number of youth served each year, the service model, and the need for community engagement. Kaycee will also lay out BGCLC’s three year strategic plan.

Our speaker has worked with Boys & Girls Club since 2008, getting her start in Brookings, South Dakota. She has been with Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County since 2013, and was promoted to Executive Director in 2017. Kaycee has a bachelor of science degree in Sociology with an emphasis in education, and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management.

BGCLC has a long history of serving youth in our community. Kaycee reports that …“Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens”. In Larimer County, BGCLC is the only comprehensive, facility-based, out-of-school program that includes meals, diverse positive youth development programming, and mentoring Because of community support, including from RCFC community grants, costs for boys and girls are only $20 a year per child. We create a safe, positive environment led by trained and professional staff. Each year, over 3,000 youth take advantage of the services offered by our organization because it supports a path to success. BGCLC currently has Clubs in Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park and Wellington.

New RCFC Member

On January 16, Past President Jeanne Fangman inducted Holly Pettit as our newest Rotarian. Jean Lamm stood in for Robin Steele, Holly’s sponsor. Holly is joining the Satellite membership.

January Teachers of the Month

This month our club honored two teachers at once because they work together in a dynamic team at Fort Collins High School. John Maguire and Ale (accent on the e) McGee and their school were introduced at very considerable length by their Assistant Principal, Jen Roth. Presentations by both teachers followed. We learned that John and Ale are the key members of the locally renowned Fort Collins High School Integrated Learning Support program, which cares for a number of students needing special help to become part of the high school community. Both of these teachers are committed to working with students suffering from autism and students suffering from academic limitations. They are student centered team players, backed up by helpful paraprofessionals. They have managed to integrate their students into a unified sports program as well as into integrated physical education classes and art classes. Another aspect of their accomplishments involves preparing students for life after school. They teach such ordinary skills as shopping for groceries and navigating the Transfort system. They take students on field trips to become aware of practical, hands on job skills. They also utilize some high school activities to foster job skill training. Both John and Ale are the children of teachers and were inspired by their parents. John hails from Omaha, Nebraska, and Ale is a Colorado native who grew up in Colorado Springs.

State of the University - Tony Frank

January 16, RCFC member, CSU System Chancellor and President of Colorado State University, Dr. Anthony A. Frank, delivered his annual "State of the University" address, continuing a tradition that dates back to the administration of William E. Morgan, who was a member of our club and served as Colorado A&M / Colorado State University President from 1949 to 1969.

Among the many CSU accomplishments, Dr. Frank highlighted the following.

Undergrad enrollment >33,000
Increased numbers of First Generation and minority students
Campus infrastructure improvements >$1.5 billion
Extramural research grants >$350 million (new record)
Partnership with National Western Stock Show and city of Denver to develop an “agriculture” center at the NWSS Complex; 4 new buildings, 3 for CSU; water center, equine medicine & agriculture
Fund raising near $1 billion (record)
Improved rural engagement; now have presence in all counties and developed/reopened one Agricultural Experiment station
Global University continues to grow

Dr. Frank praised leadership team, and received two standing ovations from RCFC members. He also quoted his father as asking “Are you satisfied”? He then noted that although much has been accomplished, he is still not “satisfied” as there is much more to do.

Dr. Frank was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellow recognition.

Safe Kids

Kathy Nicol and Kent Sutherland with Safe Kids representative. No other information received.

Changes in the Funeral Home Industry

FCRC member and owner of Vessey Funeral Services, Steve Vessey’s presentation was entitled “50 Years of the Funeral Home Industry 1969-2019”.

His contrast of 1969 and 2019 was both informative and entertaining, and, like so many things, showed how much things have changed locally and nationally in the last 50 years. Some of this has been driven by the large population growth in Northern Colorado as well as the origin of those who have relocated to NOCO (California).

In 1969 the population of Ft Collins was 35,000 and the CSU student enrollment was 10,000.There were 4 funeral homes, all family owned and directors and their families all lived above their business. Funeral directors also doubled as ambulance drivers and deputy coroners with the ability to pronounce death. The obituary entry in the Coloradoan was free; compared to the current rate of $1.27 per word. Essentially all deceased had the same routine-100% embalming, casket, viewing and funeral service. The cremation rate was 3-6% and 95% were buried in our 2 local cemeteries. Almost all deaths occurred at PVH or a nursing home.

Fast forward to 2019 (2018 figures) in Ft Collins - The population currently may be as high as 178,000. There are still 4 funeral homes but one is part of a large corporation (SCI). The cremation rate is 90%. Cremains are buried, saved or scattered. All funeral homes have a crematorium. Some families do “direct cremation” (DIY). The term “Celebration of life” was first used in 2000 but now this is the title for the majority of services. The majority of deaths in NOCO occur at home. Hospice played a big role in this trend, and , the first, Pathways Hospice, started locally in 1979.

Finally, preplanning for that inevitable time was discussed as well as veteran’s death benefits.

Troy Mai Newest RCFC Rotarian

January 2, Past President Jeanne Fangman inducted Troy Mai as the newest member of Fort Collins oldest Rotary Club. Mai is Vice President for Quality at Advanced Energy in Fort Collins, and is sponsored by Stacy Plemmons. Please welcome Troy!

Top 10 Social Security Myths

Last week former Social security Administrator and syndicated Social Security columnist Tom Margenau presented a program called “The Top 10 Myths about Social Security” followed by the “real story” for each. He divides the myths into “political” (policy) and “program” (benefits and figures).

He presented 6 policy myths and 4-5 program myths. The policy myths will be listed; unfortunately the program myths were presented in the last 2-3 allotted minutes and the rapid-fire presentation was too fast to be recorded by this reviewer. I’m sure they can be obtained for those interested at Tom’s email thomas.margenau@comcast.net

The Social Security program represents 25% of the US government spending, but is funded separately. Up until 2019 funds coming in have covered outgo. Potential problems with future funding primarily relate to the large numbers of Americans (baby boomers) currently retiring.

Some policy myths

1) “Social Security won’t be there when I retire” (it’s been around for 80 years and minor changes will keep it afloat indefinitely.)

2) “Illegal immigrants steal benefits from US citizens” (on the contrary, these immigrants put an estimated 2 billion into the system without getting anything back)

3) “Deadbeats on SS disability are draining funds” (it’s difficult to qualify for SS disability and it’s a separate fund from retirement anyway)

4) “Social Security is welfare” (a small number of people get dependents or spousal survivors benefits who have not worked themselves )

5) “Social Security’s money problems could be solved by eliminating waste” (This is a very efficient program with 0.7% administrative costs)

6) “Congress has stolen money from Social Security reserves and used it for other programs” ( LBJ “merged the books” during the expensive Vietnam War and subsequent administrations have done the same but currently the reserves stand at $2.8 trillion)

Finally, the most popular suggested fixes for the SS Trust Fund were listed and the pros and cons of each discussed. The conclusion was that relatively minor changes could keep this fund solvent for 100 years but, thus far, the political will to enact changes has been lacking.

This was a very informative talk by a very well informed speaker (see his credentials in last week’s Rotogear)

For the past 21 years, Tom Margenau has been a nationally-syndicated newspaper columnist who writes a weekly column about Social Security programs and policies. He is a nationally-recognized expert on Social Security and gives speeches and does media interviews on the topic. In 2005, he retired following a 32 year career with the Social Security Administration. While with SSA, Margenau worked in a variety of positions at the agency’s headquarters in Baltimore where he served as the deputy press officer and as the speechwriter for the Commissioner of Social Security. And for many years, he headed SSA’s public information office where he was the chief editor of all the agency’s informational pamphlets and brochures. Prior to his headquarters’ assignments, he worked 12 years in agency field offices processing Social Security claims and managing local field offices. Margenau is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin. He now lives with his wife Becky in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Rotary, a Month Before the New Year

Posted by Del Benson

Twas a month before the new year, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
And I was dreaming about Rotary and what we all share.

Rotarians were nestled all snug in their beds,
While celebrations of the past 100 years danced in their heads.
Wife Jeannie in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just fallen asleep for a long-needed nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

Visions of the next 100 years were approaching on new-fallen snow
With ideas and plans bright as mid-day to the Rotarians below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But even more supportive workers doing even greater service next year.

Our plans and our outcomes were lively and quick,
I knew in a moment that Rotary would stick.
More rapid than eagles the projects did come.
New members whistled, and shouted, and said “we want to do some!”

"Now Steve! Now, Robert! Now, Kelso and Rod!
Lead us into the new year with wisdom and laud!
Board members and committees you said “yes” when service called!
And so did other members who are appreciated by all!"

More wonderful projects…and programs…and ideas began zipping by.
I looked out and saw the 4-Way Test written in the sky.
We think, say, and do what is fair and the truth.

Building goodwill and better friendships is our foundational proof.

I finally awakened and saw you sitting here

Enjoying the holidays and our Rotary cheer.

May the next 100 years of vision be as clear as our sight.

Doing service with others……….and wishing you a good night.

By President Elect Nominee Del Benson

Teacher of the Month - Joanna Clark

Posted by Henry Weisser

Our Teacher of the Month for December was Joanna Clark, a seventh to ninth grade math teacher at Wellington Middle School. She was introduced by Bill Peisner, a counselor at her school. Joanna has been at Wellington Middle School since 2005. A dedicated teacher, Joanna sees helping students to get over their fear of mathematics as her main goal. She loves her subject and is particularly thrilled when her students gain success and come to enjoy math. She is noted for never giving up on the possibilities for success for each and every student. Overall, she is a key staff member at her school. She is a grade level leader, the department head for mathematics, and a noted team leader. She is always keen to support students whether it is serving as student government coordinator or supporting students in extracurricular projects, such as concerts, games or plays. She enlightened our Rotary Club with a thoughtful, precise and succinct account of how she regards her career and its challenges. She also reminded many of us of Pi, 3.1416 and beyond to infinity.

Student of the Month

Student of the Month Committee Chair Jack Vogt introduced the FCHS counselor (regretably we missed the name), who in turn introduced Aileen Gonzalez-Perez, RCFC's December Student of the Month. Aileen will attend CU Boulder to continue her study of nursing. Already a nursing aide in high school, Aileen volunteers at PVH and is engaged in a multitude of other community service activities. Vogt also presented our Student of the Month with a gift certificate to Barnes and Nobel.

District Governor Chuck Rutenberg Visits RCFC

Posted by Bob Simmons

Last week District 5540 Governor and RCFC Member Chuck Rutenberg, spoke to our club. His extensive Rotary credentials were listed in last week’s Rotogear. Hi talk focused on two subjects.

First, his long term interest in literacy. The problem is extensive (35 million Americans may be functionally illiterate) and local (Aurora is in the top 3 US cities). A brief but moving video illustrated the daily problems that life without literacy creates. Finding and helping such adults can break the chain of illiteracy and is often the first step out of poverty. Chuck and Rotary are involved in the cure.

The second topic was membership. Chuck has visited over 50 clubs and this is usually a significant part of the discussions. Membership at 1.2 million has been stable but not growing. Fifty percent of members leave during their first 3 years. Solutions include improving the value for members, talking about why we do things (and not just what we do) and tapping into the creativity of our newest members. We watched an inspirational video about a contestant on Americas’ Got Talent. In addition to great singing we learned about his growing adopted family-how to go from surviving to dreaming and how to make those in need become”star human beings”. An excellent Q&A session provided some additional suggestions for improving the number & quality of Rotarians.

Bob Bethke's "New Member Talk"

Wednesday December 14, new Blue Badge member Bob Bethke gave his Classification Talk, more accurately described today as a "New Member Talk". Bob covered his youth, his Rotary Exchange Student experience, his reasons for joining Rotary, and his career history. Welcome Bob!

Holiday Party Fun

President Steve Announces $13 Meals

At the December 5 meeting, President Steve Laine announced that all meals will now be charged at $13 per week. Be aware however, this change only affects Satellite, SAE, LOA members who visit, guests of members and drop-in guests. Rotarians who bring potential new members are not charged for the prospect's meal.

All members who commit to the quarterly meal plan (approximately 104 of 150 members), will continue to be billed $210 per quarter, approximately $17 per week.

Behavioral Biases and Investment Mistakes

Posted by Bob Simmons

Last week, CSU professor, Dr Vickie Bajtelsmit discussed the 7 most common investor mistakes in her talk entitled “Behavioral Biases and Investment Mistakes”. She has been at CSU since 1991 and is currently director of the Master of Finance program. Her area of expertise is “Behavioral Finance” - the study of psychological and cognitive issues that influence our investment decisions.

Much of traditional economic theory assumes that investors always make rational decisions. But (breaking news) we do not - we are human. We are programmed to use mental shortcuts which commonly lead to decision errors.

Seven common errors (biases) were described-from our often counterintuitive reaction to a falling stock value to overconfidence and “herd mentality”. Corrective methods were provided.

The bottom line is we are human, not rational, but “normal”. There is no substitute for self control and research when investing. And… always-buy low and sell high.

Satellite and Project Cure

Posted by Jennifer Brooks

Satellite members John Trone, Lucinda and Robin visited and toured Project Cure on Monday to explore working together on future Global Grants. Satellite is already working with them on one in Nigeria and one in Burundi.

Turmeric and Spice Released

After more than 4 years of hard work, Rajiv Mehta’s wife, Bina, has become a published author, with the release of Turmeric and Spice, her own Indian cookbook. Just in time for Christmas - see Rajiv to get a copy.

Cadet of the Month - Joel Topps

Wednesday December 5, Committee Chair Warren Wilson presented RCFC's Cadet of the Month, Joel Topps. Joel was introduced by Lt. Col Adam Jung. Joel is a computer science major and aspires to be a pilot of an A10 or C130.

Teaching and Learning Peace: Costs and Benefits

Posted by Bob Simmons

Last week RCFC member Dr. Bill Timpson shared his journey (so far) as a peacemaker; starting (and continuing) in Northern Ireland. The peacemaking connection with Rotary at the global level and at the local level were reviewed. RI currently has 6 peace centers. A newly formed Peacebuilder Club has been started at FCRC and meets after the general meeting on the first Wednesday of the month. The FCRC Peacebuilder Club met after the general meeting to continue developing local goals and projects.

Bill reported on his experiences at 2 RI Peace Conferences- the World Peace Conference in Ontario,CA in January 2016 and the Conference on Sustainable Peace Building in Vancouver,BC on February 10, 2018. Bill has published books and articles on peace building. The steps are 1) Sustainable peace education, 2) Reconciliation and 3) Conflict resolution. The importance of considering issues such as food security, safety, and economic needs in peacebuilding were emphasized. Efforts seem to be most successful when started by grass root movements and involve opponents working side by side with common goals. Often women have taken the lead as in Northern Ireland with their successful protests to reclaim (peaceful) public space leading ultimately to the ceasefire in that country. Bill's most recent efforts have been in Burundi working to integrate peace education into the school curriculum at all levels. Burundi has experienced recent civil war and is among the poorest countries in Africa.

Nominations Committee Announces Candidates

President Steve announced the slate for our Dec. 12 election:
Pres-elect: Del Benson
Secretary: Cindy DeGroot
Board (select two): Marty Bachman, Rajiv Mehta, Larry Salmen, John Trone
Treasurer: TBA (nominations welcome)

Teacher of the Month: Jaime Drage

Posted by Henry Weisser

Our November Teacher of the Month was Jamie Drage, a fourth grade teacher from Bethke Elementary School in Timnath. Her principal, Ann Alfonso, introduced by Marty Bachman, spoke of Jamie’s deep commitment to her profession. Jamie attended PSD, and as a youngster played games where she was the teacher and continued to dream of becoming a teacher herself. Jamie is one of those teachers who loves to come to work every day. She is straight forward, optimistic and enthusiastic. Her students discover that learning is fun and that each and every one of them has a positive relationship with their teacher. She believes that developing these relationships is the core of teaching. In addition to these classroom accomplishments, Jamie has helped to develop curriculum and has supported other teachers trying to improve student performance. Jamie had an earlier career as an athletic trainer at CSU stemming from her major in sports and exercise science. She happily switched to elementary education thereafter. While she claimed that she was more comfortable addressing fourth graders, her talk to our Rotary Club was notable for how she held our attention as she clearly and warmly addressed the great vocational love of her life.

Student of the Month - Braeden Handley

Committee Chair Jack Vogt presented Student of the Month, Braeden Handley with a Rotary Certificate and a gift card from Barnes and Nobel. Braeden was introduced by Galton Lackey, dean of Students at Centennial High.

Regional Economic Development/5 Generations in Larimer County

Posted by Harry Mueller

November 28, Troy McWhinney presented a summary of his economic life, especially in Larimer County, and some of his projections of the economic future of the area.

Growing up in Orange County, CA, he and his brother escaped household chores by starting a strawberry stand at a local shopping center, ultimately expanding to some 30 stands, all at other shopping centers. Since agricultural enterprises were hard, dirty work whereas shopping center ownership/management was clean and probably even more profitable, they investigated getting into real estate. At about this time, their grandmother (a descendant of John Hahn, an early Larimer county resident), who owned a relatively large farm near Loveland, CO, died. After the City of Loveland sent a delegation to Orange County to discuss the future of that farm with them, the brothers bought the farm from the family and moved to Loveland to manage the land. A mentor from Denver, predicting that the area would experience great growth, suggested that they buy as much farm land as possible at the prices prevalent in the early 1990s. They were able to use available farm loans to make those purchases, expecting ultimately to develop the land, meanwhile letting their finances grow by appreciation in land value. In the early 2000s the brothers, developing a private/public partnership with Loveland, created some $132 million in public infrastructure. Their expectation is that there will be some $220 million in future public infrastructure associated with their developments. Their developments currently provide some $700 million in sales taxes in the area.

Their prediction is that growth in the area (in both housing value/cost and salaries) will continue for the next 40 years at rates similar to the last 40 years so that their ability to contribute to and benefit from that growth will continue to grow over that period.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! No Rotary Meeting

NO ROTARY MEETING THIS WEEK - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

What do Rotary and Thanksgiving Day have in common? Both are international! Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated on various dates in Canada, the United States, Germany, Japan, some of the Caribbean islands, and Liberia. And contrary to our image of the first Thanksgiving being celebrated by the guys in funny hats and buckle shoes, days of thanksgiving and special religious services became important far earlier during the English Reformation in the reign of Henry VIII and in reaction to the large number of religious holidays on the Catholic calendar. Pilgrims and Puritans who emigrated from England in the 1620s and 1630s carried the tradition of Days of Fasting and Days of Thanksgiving with them to New England. The modern Thanksgiving holiday tradition is traced to a well-recorded 1619 event in Virginia and a sparsely documented 1621 celebration at Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts.